Non-profit will pick up where Cumberland County's Sexual Assault Program left off

VINELAND -- A group has been picked to fill the void left by the closing of the Cumberland County Guidance Center's Sexual Assault Program.

The Center For Family Services, a non-profit social welfare agency operating in Camden and Gloucester counties, has been chosen as Cumberland County's "designated rape crisis provider," according to Merilee Rutolo, vice president of public relations and development for the group.

As part of the center's SERV, "Services Empowering the Rights of Victims" program, a confidential hotline will be available to Cumberland County resident beginning tomorrow.

The 24-hour toll-free hotline -- 1-866-295-SERV -- will provide information, request services and allow referals to be made for victims of sexual assault.

The Center for Family Services, which recently opened an office in Vineland, will also provide victims of sexual assault accompaniment to hospitals, perform crisis interventions, counseling and give educational presentations to school and community groups through the SERV program.

These types of services previously were provided through the Cumberland County Guidance Center's Sexual Assault Program.

Due to lack of funding and following the unexpected death of the program's director, the program closed in April.

With the potential for there to be no government services for sexual assault victims in Cumberland County, the state Division on Women became involved in the situation, attempting to find funding to keep the guidance center's program open or find a new provider.

Regina Ridge, SERV program director for The Center For Family Services, said today that SERV staff will be working with guidance center staff to provide a smooth transition between the two programs.

The program is looking for additional volunteers to provide accompaniment and advocate services in Cumberland County.

Potential volunteers can call the 24-hour hotline for more information.